Writer Sues Producers of Fox Boxing Show

Fox Broadcasting Co.’s boxing “reality” show is caught up in another courthouse scrape. Less than a week after fending off a legal challenge that could have blocked its premiere, the producers of “The Next Great Champ” were sued by a writer who claims the show rips off her idea.

In papers filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, Leigh Ann Burton said boxer Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions “misappropriated” her concept for a reality show after De La Hoya signed up for “Champ.”

Stephen Espinoza, an attorney for Golden Boy, said in a statement that Burton’s claims were “utterly without merit” but would not comment on specific allegations because the company had not seen the suit.